Of the places my feet have had the pleasure to wander, London has always been one of my favorites. An incredible city rich in history, culture and distinct personality, there is no end of things to do. Follow me as I guide you through the places you don’t want to miss!
First of all, I want to make sure and include that this guide in it’s entirety is not for the faint of heart. It can be expanded to a up to a full week’s itinerary, and starts with my favorite highlights in Northern London wrapping around clockwise to ending on the West End.
Abbey Road
Abbey Road
Photo: Kate Mitchell
This legendary crosswalk featured on The Beatles Abbey Road album cover, this spot has become a landmark for tourists looking to retrace the steps of one of the most influential bands of the rock era. Located adjacent to the crosswalk is Abbey Road Studios, the most famous recording studio in the world.
King’s Cross Station | Platform 9 3/4
King’s Cross Station
Photo: Kate Mitchell
A major London railway station, King’s Cross Station has been recently renovated and has been open since 1852 on the city’s northern edge. Most notable for tourists is Platform 9 3/4, featuring a wall from the beloved world of Harry Potter.
The British Museum
The British Museum
Photo: Guillermo Viciano
The British Museum is a collection of all things history, art and culture, and offers endless changing exhibits from all over the world. Added bonus, this stop is free!
Fleet Street
Fleet Street
Photo: Carl Court
Fleet Street is one of the major streets in London, running west to east and having reigned significant since the Middle Ages. Along this street, you will find many shops, pubs and offices. The reason I love venturing this area however is because of its connection with the urban legend Sweeney Todd and his deadly barber shop!
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Photo: Kate Mitchell
A gorgeous Baroque church located at the highest point of the City of London, this structure stands robust among the skyline. St. Paul’s Cathedral offers guided tours and the chance to climb to the top of it’s dome – just 550 steps away!
Tower of London
Tower of London
Photo: Greg Johnson
The Tower of London is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and fortress, nestled right on the north side of the River Thames. Inside there is plenty to do for the whole family, including getting a chance to see The Crown Jewels!
Tower Bridge | London Bridge
Tower Bridge / London Bridge
Photo: Kate Mitchell
Right next to the Tower of London is the stunning Tower Bridge, adorned beautifully and distinctive from any other bridge in the world. The plain view of London Bridge shies in comparison, but perhaps because of it’s name (or Fergie‘s random song about it) the two are often mixed up by tourists and even Google image searches!
The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre
Photo: Kate Mitchell
Here stands a replica of Shakespeare‘s Globe Theatre that was built in 1599. The original was burned to the ground in 1613 when a cannon shot during a performance of Henry VIII. Today the theatre still features Shakespearean plays year-round, and is a must for all the literature lovers out there!
London Eye
London Eye
Photo: Visit London
The London Eye is famously the huge ferris wheel that sits alongside the river, and offers some of the city’s best views from 400 feet in the air. If that isn’t enough to get you excited to take the kids, check out options for champagne and other featured rides they offer!
Big Ben
Big Ben
Photo: Kate Mitchell
You don’t need any second star to the right to spot this one. Big Ben, probably what I consider the most famous of all London’s landmarks, is absolutely breathtaking. Better yet, you can even go on a guided tour and see the view from the inside of the clock face at 16 stories high. It also provides a worthy backdrop for what I believe to be the best telephone booth to take the must-have cliché tourist photo.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Photo: Kate Mitchell
A few steps away is Westminster Abbey, an extremely large and famous church that is still actively running. It is the original abbey church, although it hasn’t functioned as one since 1560. Stop by for a service or book a tour to see the stunning interior!
Churchill War Rooms
Churchill War Rooms
Photo: Kate Mitchell
One of the best museums I’ve ever been to, the Churchill War Rooms features a set of underground museums and passageways that were the home of Britain’s efforts in World War II during the Blitz. Bomb raids left no place safe to go but underground, and after the war was over, these rooms were left untouched. Explore with an audio guide at your own pace and get a glimpse of what life was like at this time.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace / Changing Guard
Photo: Kate Mitchell / Zoran Zonde Stojanovski
Buckingham Palace is another inescapable landmark of our dear London, recognized commonly by its red-clad guards. Make sure to venture here at 11:30am to see the Changing Guard. This takes place (almost) every day, and features the Old Guard handing responsibility for the palace to the New Guard. The ceremony features countless groups of guards playing music and marching in unison. Don’t miss this one!
Green Park
Green Park
Photo: Kate Mitchell
I include Green Park because of its beautiful greenery and the break it is from all the bustle of the city. It’s located right next to Buckingham Palace, and is the smallest of the capital’s 8 Royal Parks at 40 acres. Take a minute to stop here to see the beautiful flowers, picnic, people watch, and breathe in the rejuvenating calm air.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
Photo: Kate Mitchell
Trafalgar Square is probably my favorite starting point to finding fun places to eat and drink in London. While the square has historical significance dating back to the 13th century, it features Nelson’s Column with 4 lion statues at guard, and roads from it carry off in all directions to countless restaurants and pubs to enjoy on your visit. My recommendation would be to try The Sherlock Holmes Pub, where you can enjoy one of London’s most popular dishes!
While these spots offer an eclectic variety of things to do and see, the real adventure is in the people and life you witness in between. I encourage you to make sure and take in everything London has to offer, because it’s treats are endless. Cheers to you and yours!
Wonderful write-up covering the main sites. Abbey Road was a nice touch. I have been meaning to go to the war rooms and your note reminded me. Enjoy Spain.